Why hide eleven of the twelve states?

Because too much input at once is the thing the instrument is about. Twelve states, sixty subtypes and a hundred and twenty words on one circle is a second job for someone already in overload. The cover leaves one state open at a time. The map itself is not smaller — the twelve names run around the rim, so the whole picture stays in view.

Two paper discs pinned through the centre, with a window cut into the top one. Turning the lower disc brings one segment at a time into the opening. Astronomers and physicians used them for centuries to make dense tables readable a piece at a time.

Does turning it actually help, or is it decoration?

It gives the hands a repetitive, low-stakes movement while the mind does the difficult part — stimming with a purpose. It also lets someone use the wheel without speaking: point at the window and turn until it fits. For people who lose words under load, that is the difference between using the tool and not using it.

Is this an assessment or a diagnosis?

No. There is no score, no threshold and no result. It helps you find the word for where you are. What follows comes from a person — you, a coach, a therapist — not from a disc. It is not a substitute for medical or psychological care.

What do I need to build the paper version?

Two discs printed at true size — 340 mm for the base, 320 mm for the cover, so the base overhangs as a grip. Card around 350 gsm for the base, heavier or mounted for the cover. An 8 mm brass eyelet with a washer through the centre. Matte lamination rather than gloss: glare is a real barrier for the people this is for.